Bethlehem Airport's BEST Hotel? (IHG Holiday Inn Express Review!)
Bethlehem Airport's BEST Hotel? (IHG Holiday Inn Express Review!) - Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Alright, alright, settle down, travelers! You're flying into Bethlehem (yes, that Bethlehem!), and you need a place to crash. Forget stuffy luxury, because we're diving headfirst into the IHG Holiday Inn Express – the "BEST Hotel" by its own claim, and let's be real, the only hotel right there at the airport. So, is it a weary traveler's haven, or a glorified airport box? Let me, your resident hotel-hopping guru, spill the (slightly lukewarm) tea.
First Impressions & The Oh-So-Important Accessibility:
Landing at Bethlehem Airport (which I’ll admit feels about as big as my bathroom back home), you're faced with a stark choice: the airport floor or the Holiday Inn Express. The good news? The Express is easy peasy to find. It's practically attached to the terminal. HUGE point for accessibility, seriously. After a grueling flight I just wanted to crash! Inside, the lobby is… well, it's an IHG Holiday Inn Express lobby. Clean, functional, and about as exciting as a beige wall.
Now, let's talk Accessibility. This is where things get interesting (and by interesting, I mean potentially crucial). The hotel itself is very wheelchair-friendly. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Check. Accessible rooms? Apparently, they exist, which is a massive win. I didn't personally test the full extent of accessibility features (I'm ambulatory, folks), but the layout seems thoughtfully designed. Give them a call to verify specific needs, as I am not the authority on this, just a weary traveler.
Internet & The Modern Necessity (aka Wi-Fi Woes, Mildly):
Listen, I’m not going to lie – I need Wi-Fi. Like, desperately. I’m a travel blogger, addicted to my phone! The Holiday Inn Express boasts Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! In reality? The connection was… eh. Sometimes lightning fast. Other times… well, let’s just say I spent more time staring at the loading icon than actually working. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes, but same story – hit or miss. They do have Internet [LAN] if you’re old-school, but who does that anymore? The hotel could use a router upgrade, for sure.
Rooms: Functionality Over Flair (and the Occasional Quirky Glitch):
The room? Predictable. Clean, with standard Holiday Inn Express furnishings. A comfy bed (YES!), a desk (YES!), and a decent shower (also YES!). Air conditioning worked flawlessly (blessing!), and the blackout curtains were my best friend after a long flight. Minor gripes? My room lacked a window that opens, which makes you begin to feel like your trapped . And my wake-up service was never put into play, I will never know if it works or not.
The Bathroom: A Story of Triumph & Tears:
The bathroom was… well, the bathroom. Clean, functional. My only complaint? The water pressure was… interesting. It alternated between a gentle drizzle and a full-on monsoon, sometimes in the space of a single shower. Now, THAT was a memorable experience!
Food, Glorious Food (Or, the Airport Buffet Adventure):
Breakfast is included, folks! (Huzzah!) It's a Breakfast [Buffet], and honestly, I’ve seen worse. They had the usual suspects: cereal, pastries, scrambled eggs, sausage (debatable on the quality). Asian breakfast options were available. The coffee shop in the lobby offered a reasonable latte, and there is the Coffee/tea in restaurant, too, though I did not try any.
Outside of breakfast, the dining, drinking, and snacking options are a touch limited. There's a small Snack bar at the front desk and a couple of Restaurants within walking distance, if you want to explore. A real Bar is not available, really. I did see the Poolside bar, but closed. Room service is the 24-hour, which is a HUGE plus. I am not sure about the Bottle of water, I probably did not remember about it.
Things to Do & Relax:
Okay, let's be real: You're at an airport hotel. You're probably not expecting a spa day (spa/Spa/Sauna/Steamroom) and a Pool with view. But the Holiday Inn Express does have some amenities: Swimming pool [outdoor] as a nice bonus. Plus, the Fitness center offers the basics if you want to sweat off that airplane anxiety. More options available, such as Body scrub, Body wrap, and Foot bath.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Modern Mandate:
In the age of, shall we say, unpredictable health concerns, the Holiday Inn Express tries to reassure. They proudly display their Hygiene certification, and they emphasize their Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Hand sanitizer is available, as is a Cashless payment service. The staff wears masks, and they appear to be following protocol. All in all, I felt relatively safe, although if you're truly paranoid, maybe skip the buffet…
Services & Conveniences: The Bits and Bobs:
The Holiday Inn Express excels in the basics. They have Daily housekeeping, a helpful Concierge, and a convenient Convenience store for last-minute needs. Laundry service is available, as is dry-cleaning, too. Parking is free, and you're right by the airport, which is a HUGE plus! The check-in/out [express] feature makes getting in and out fast.
Downsides and Quirks:
- No Pets. I was not trying to have my dog, but some people might be interested.
- The hotel's location at the airport itself has its disadvantages. Loud airport noises can be a distraction.
- The internet situation can be patchy.
The Verdict: Is it the BEST? Well… Honestly, it's a solid choice. If you need a convenient, accessible hotel right by Bethlehem Airport, you could do a lot worse. The rooms are comfortable, the staff is friendly, and the free breakfast is a bonus. It's not the most glamorous hotel in the world, but it gets the job done.
My Opinionated Rating: A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a reliable workhorse, not a racehorse.
The Marketing Blitz!
Tired of Airport Hotel Stress? Book Your Smooth Landing at the Holiday Inn Express Bethlehem Airport!
- Accessibility Heroes: Wheelchair-friendly rooms and facilities.
- Stress-Free Arrival: Step from the terminal straight to your comfy room.
- Fuel Up & Fly High: Free breakfast to kickstart your day.
- Relax & Recharge: A place to unwind and refresh after a long journey.
Why book NOW?
Because you deserve less travel stress. Book now directly on their website or through a trusted travel agent!
Escape to Paradise: Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, Latvia Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is gonna be less "perfectly curated travel blog" and more "dumpster fire of a human trying to have a good time." We’re talking a trip to the glorious (said with a heavy dose of irony) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bethlehem Airport/Allentown area By IHG in the United States. God help us.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Beige
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). Pray to the travel gods that my luggage actually arrives this time. My last flight, a tiny, rickety puddle-jumper, lost my lucky socks. And you need lucky socks for this kind of adventure. Okay, deep breaths. Airport food: Avoid the greasy options. Just… avoid them.
- 1:45 PM: Shuttle to the Holiday Inn Express. Okay, a sigh. The drive is unremarkable. Fields, the occasional gas station, a few sad-looking trees. The hotel…well, it's a Holiday Inn Express. You know the drill. Beige. Beige everywhere. It’s like a beige-colored blanket has suffocated all joy. The air conditioning is probably blasting arctic temperatures. I hope the bed isn’t too lumpy. (I’m already preparing myself for disappointment).
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Hope the front desk person is friendly, or I’m going to need a stiff drink (which, thankfully, I packed in my travel backpack. Don't judge me). Discover my key card doesn't work the first three times. Sigh. It's off to a great start.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the room. Assess the damage. Is the TV working? Does the Wi-Fi actually work? (Important questions). Is the bathroom at least clean? (Fingers crossed). I’m not a princess, people, but I do have standards. Minor freakout that the bathroom has no window. I, a human, need the ability of some air.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to use the gym. (lol). This is more aspirational than actual. I'm not promising anything. I'll probably just stare at the treadmill and judge the person who is actually using it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner somewhere. My current plan: Find a place that serves decent… anything. Preferably not a chain restaurant. There has to be some hidden gem in the Allentown/Bethlehem area, right? Maybe a dive bar with the best burger in the state? I'm basically on a quest.
- 7:30 PM: Actual food. A burger (a good one!). I’m vindicated. It's a dive bar! The locals are a colorful bunch. I overhear a passionate debate about the best local brewery ("It's always Lost River!" "No way, their IPA is like…a wet sock!"). This is more like it. This is… real.
- 9:00 PM: Crash in my beige, air-conditioned tomb. Sleep is crucial. Tomorrow is going to require a lot of caffeine and a general willingness to embrace the chaos.
Day 2: Steel Stacks, Roller Coasters, and Existential Dread, Part 2
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The free breakfast. Let's be honest, it’s probably the same sad scrambled eggs and rubbery sausage that every Holiday Inn Express serves. I'll try to choke it down with a smile. (I'm not a monster). Chug coffee. Lots of coffee.
- 8:00 AM: Leave the hotel.
- 9:00 AM: Steel Stacks: I'm going to try to be "cultured" and explore the arts and culture side of things. The historical part of the massive Bethlehem Steel. (I'm secretly hoping to find some cool, industrial-chic aesthetic for my Instagram). A tour. Learn about…steel. And the industrial revolution? (I’m not sure). Hopefully, I won't get bored. (I get bored easily).
- 11:00 AM: Steel Stacks. Spend 2 more hours to appreciate the atmosphere and the vibe here.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a place… nearby Steel Stack. Something authentic, small, some local business.
- 2:30 PM: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Now, we're talking! Roller coasters! Thrills! Potential for projectile vomiting! (Again, hoping for the best). I'm a total scaredy-cat, but I'm going to try to ride everything. At least once. Wish me luck. I'm also prepared for a massive amount of sugar and questionable food choices. This is an experience.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Dorney Park, because, convenience. I'll probably regret this. But hey, I’m on vacation! Calories don't count, right? Right?!
- 7:00 PM: Dorney Park - More thrilling the fun.
- 9:00 PM: Driving to the Hotel.. exhausted but happy.
Day 3: Local Quirks and the Long Goodbye
- 8:00 AM: Attempt to hit the pool (if available). This depends entirely on whether I can find it and if it's not being invaded by screaming children. Realistically, expect a lot of chlorine. I'm not complaining, I love water but I'm also the kind person who forgets the towel.
- 9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel.
- 9:30 AM: A local museum. A museum dedicated to… something. I'll pick one randomly. Maybe a historical society? Or a quirky little museum dedicated to… I have a feeling I'm going to find some weird stuff. I embrace chaos.
- 11:00 AM: Visit some local place. If there is some specific to that region. Something like a farmer's market, or a unique shop.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch, a final local place that I will leave a good review for.
- 2:00 PM: Head to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: A final cup of coffee at some coffee shop.
- 3:30 PM: A final, lingering look at the beige landscape.
- 4:00 PM: Fly back to my life.
- 5:30 PM: Land back home.
Overall Emotional Reaction: This trip is going to be a mixed bag of excitement, mild anxiety, and the potential for deep, existential boredom. I'm prepared for the unexpected and the slightly disappointing. But I'm also hoping for a few moments of genuine joy, a good meal or two, and maybe, just maybe, a memory or two that’ll last longer than the lingering scent of chlorine and hotel soap. Bring it on, Bethlehem/Allentown, you magnificent, gloriously beige monstrosity! Let the games begin!
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Bethlehem Airport's BEST Hotel? (IHG Holiday Inn Express Review!) – FAQ! (Buckle Up!)
Okay, so you're flying into Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). Smart move! And you need a hotel. Let's talk about the Holiday Inn Express Bethlehem Airport. I've been there. I've survived it. This is the real deal, warts and all, no corporate PR fluff. Consider this your survival guide.
1. Is this place actually, like, near the airport? Because I'm NOT trying to spend an hour in an Uber.
YES! Finally, a good thing! It's literally practically spitting distance from the airport. You can practically *smell* the jet fuel (maybe not a *good* thing, but you get the idea). Like, a five-minute shuttle ride at most. That's the absolute BEST part about this hotel. Seriously, a lifesaver after a red-eye. I once staggered out of baggage claim at some ungodly hour, and the shuttle was right there. I just wanted to melt on a bed. Success!
2. Okay, but is it... *clean*? I'm a germaphobe, basically.
Alright, let's be real. It's a Holiday Inn Express. It's not the Ritz. But generally, *yes*, it's clean-ish. I mean, rooms are reasonably tidy. The cleaning staff seems to do a decent job of hitting the high-traffic areas, like the bathroom. But… (And there’s ALWAYS a but, isn't there?). Last time, though, I think I accidentally left a pen on the nightstand, and when I got back about three hours later it was still sitting there. I was suspicious. Still, I can't say I saw any... *unsightly* things. You know? It's a gamble, as always. Bring wipes. Just in case.
3. What about the breakfast? Holiday Inn Expresses usually have a sad continental situation...
Ugh, the breakfast. It’s there. It exists. "Free breakfast" is a marketing term, not a guarantee of happiness. It's the usual IHG fare: pre-made scrambled eggs (questionable origin story), rubbery sausage, some pastries that look like they've been sitting there since the Clinton administration, and the ever-present, slightly-burnt waffle machine. I *once*, yes *once*, had a waffle that was actually crispy. I think the stars aligned that day. Don't get your hopes up. Coffee's usually okay, though. And, listen, if you're ravenous and in a hurry, it *works*, but call it a gourmet experience will be a complete overstatement. The worst part? The area is incredibly crowded, especially during the week. So, if you're expecting a leisurely breakfast, prepare to shove your way to the bagels!
4. Is the staff friendly? I've had some REALLY awful hotel interactions.
Honestly? They're alright. It's hit or miss, which is, I guess, true of humanity in general. Some are super pleasant, smiling, offering helpful advice. Others... well, they're probably just tired. I've had check-ins that felt like interrogations about my life choices, and I've had check-ins that were a breeze. The shuttle drivers are usually nice, though. Tip your drivers, people! But don’t expect them to be your personal concierge. They have a job to do. I once asked a desk clerk about a recommendation for a restaurant, and she just stared at me blankly, and then (honestly) told me, "I don't eat out, so..." Sigh. Prepare to be self-sufficient. This is not a luxury resort. You’ve been warned.
5. What are the rooms like? Are they... modern? Comfortable?
Modern? Well, let's just say they're... *functional*. Think, "the hotel room you expect when you hear 'Holiday Inn Express'." The beds are generally okay, the pillows are... well, they exist. There's a TV, a small desk, and free Wi-Fi. The decor is pretty standard, a little beige, a little…corporate. The bathrooms are small, but at least they have a working shower. The air conditioning can be a bit loud, and my one major complaint is the walls are THIN. You will hear your neighbors. Prepare to be entertained/annoyed by their conversations, their snoring, whatever they are doing (and you *will* know what they are doing). It's unavoidable. Earplugs are a must. If you are looking for something more exciting, perhaps not the place.
6. Is there a gym? I cannot skip leg day!
Yep. There *is* a gym. It's small. Like, REALLY small. But it has the basics: treadmills, a few weights, probably a yoga mat (if you’re lucky, and the last person didn’t steal it). Don't expect a full-blown fitness center. I've used it, and it served its purpose. Don't go looking for a state-of-the-art facility, and you probably won't be disappointed. But if you're a serious gym rat, consider other options.
7. What about parking? Is it easy to park? And how much does that cost?
Parking is easy, and it's usually free. Huge plus! There's a decent-sized lot right outside the hotel. Never had a problem finding a spot, even when the hotel was busy. The parking is not a major concern - another great thing about this hotel! It is so convenient! No hidden fees for parking. It's a win.
8. Is there anything *good* to do around the hotel? Outside of the airport?
Okay, honest moment here. The immediate vicinity of the hotel isn't a vibrant hub of excitement. It's near the airport, which means it is near... well, an airport. There's a a few chain restaurants nearby, so you're not completely stranded. Drive 15-20 minutes and you have options to explore. The city is about a 15-20 minutes drive. Historic Bethlehem is worth a visit: museums, shops, and the whole Christmas City thing. If you like that kind of thing. But if you're looking for immediate entertainment options, you're better off renting a car or using ride-sharing.
9. Overall: Would you recommend it? Or are we talking about a hotel from hell?
It's not hell. It's not paradise. It's a solid, dependable, airport hotel. If you need a place to crash near the airport? Absolutely. The convenience factor is HUGE. If you're looking for luxury or a vacation experience? Look elsewhere. I'dStay By City
